€300,000 for new playground
A NEW destination playground planned for New Ross needs to cater for babies right up to teenagers, and may include a skate park.
New Ross Municiopal District manager Mick McCormack said €300,000 in funding has been approved for the new playground.
The money was sourced through planning levies and previous council revenue.
‘It’s great news for the town and district. A budget of €300,000 will procure a playground of a very high standard,’ Mr McCormack said.
The council’s special projects team will be driving the project.
Cllr Pat Barden sought details on how the €300,000 will be spent, asking if a public consultation process involving the youth of New Ross is planned.
He also asked for a time-line for the project.
Cllr Anthony Connick said the current Pearse Park playground was one of the first built in the county.
Cllr Michael Sheehan congratulated the council’s Community section on securing the funding, especially Ger Mackey. ‘ This was a playground strategy that he brought to the fore in 2015.’
Cllr John Fleming said more events should be held at Pearse Park, especially now that a motorhome park is planned for a site opposite it.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Whelan said councillors will be working with the special projects team who are experts having delivered Min Ryan Park to the people of Wexford, he said.
Cllr Barden said there is no point spending €300,000 if it isn’t of use to teenagers, as well as younger children.
Mr McCormack said: ‘It’s going to be a destination playground. There are calls for other amenities too but the biggest concern is to cater for young children up to teenagers. Details in relation to a skate park is for a different day.’
He said more events will be held in the park.